2001 Football

Thomas More 50, Bluffton 14

Key momentum swing lifts #20 Thomas More past Bluffton

A stunning momentum swing just before halftime was more than Bluffton College could
overcome Saturday afternoon as the Beavers fell to #20 Thomas More College 50-14 in
Crestview Hills, Kentucky.

Bluffton drove 65 yards in 11 plays just before halftime to set up a third-and-one
situation from the Saints four yard line. Trailing 21-7, a touchdown would have brought
the score to within seven points at 21-14 heading into the intermission, but TMC defensive
back Peete Davis picked off a BC pass and returned it 90 yards to give the Saints
a 28-7 lead at halftime.

Bluffton never recovered as TMC scored touchdowns on their first three possessions
of the second half, while holding the Beavers to three-and-out possessions on their
first two opportunities with the football.

In the first half Bluffton was able to move the ball consistantly on the Saints defense
and ended the game with 404 yards in total offense. Sophomore Jovan Johnson led the
rushing attack with 115 yards and a touchdown, while Brad Moore passed for 105 yards
and added 68 yards rushing, which included a 63-yard TD run early in the second quarter.
Senior Jon Spradling led the receiving corps with five catches for 69 yards.

Thomas More keeps their playoff chances alive and improves to 9-0 on the season. Their
15-game winning streak is the second-longest in the nation.

Bluffton falls to 4-5 and must regroup for their season ending showdown against Defiance
College next Saturday in Salzman Stadium. Against his alma mater, BC head coach Carlin
Carpenter will be looking for his 100th career win on Saturday against the Yellow
Jackets.

Junior Cam Staley led the BC defense with 12 tackles, including three behind the line
of scrimmage for 13 yards in lost yardage. He also recovered a fumble, which set up
Bluffton's last drive of the first half. That fumble was caused by sophomore Chris
Sommers, who notched seven tackles.